Feb. 21, 2017, Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel
The Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) is pleased to announce Pamela Riemenschneider, editor of Produce Retailer magazine, as its keynote speaker for the CFVGA’s Third Annual Conference to be held Feb. 21, 2017 at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel. She will kick off the conference with a look at how consumer trends shape retail, including a special preview of the 2017 Fresh Trends survey results.

This interactive session will include the latest in consumer demand for some of the most popular items in the produce department and an outlook for Colorado-grown produce. Attendees will see how demographics can skew demand, retail sales and influence variety preference.

“Consumer trends are a powerful influence on retailers, and growers as well,” Riemenschneider said. “It’s crucial to understand not only what consumers are looking for now, but also how demographics shape that preference going forward.”

Riemenschneider, who has been editor of Produce Retailer since 2009, got her start in produce journalism in 2005 as a staff writer and photographer for sister publication The Packer Newspaper. Her coverage focuses on retail, consumer trends, packaging and new product innovations. A passionate advocate for the fresh produce industry, she travels the world visiting retailers, seeking new merchandising strategies, products and packaging concepts. She also hosts a video series, Pamela’s Kitchen, where she “puts produce to the test” from her Austin, Texas home.

CFVGA’s full-day conference is designed to inspire growers and others in the produce industry as well as to provide networking and education. More than 300 people, including produce buyers and exhibitors are expected to attend.

The CFVGA is comprised of more than 200 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The Colorado fruit and vegetable growing sector contributes nearly $300 million to Colorado at the farm gate and is multiplied as it goes through the distribution chain. Over 60,000 Colorado acres are in fruit and vegetable production.